NOW CLOSED M&S shapewear testers review thread

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for the members of the M&S Mumsnet panel who have been trying out M&S shapewear.

We've posted some feedback questions below to get you started but please feel free to add any other comments you have. Everyone who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 M&S giftcard.

Please remember to include details of which shapewear item(s) you bought with your £30 voucher in your response.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

Thanks for the opportunity to take part in this. I bought the Secret Support ultimate thigh shaper and tights which I THOUGHT were Shapewear but I've just rechecked the packaging and actually they're Autograph. Sorry about that

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I have bought a black cami/vest (as recommended on Mumsnet) and also thigh shaper pants.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

I browsed in store but bought online (didn't have time to stand in the store queues that day). I usually buy online for the convenience, but often find with M&S that my choices are out of stock. Having said that, I think both options are convenient enough.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

I think there's sufficient choice of styles, shapes and sizes. I think different colours would be really nice - I get fed up with black and nude. White doesn't survive my superwoman laundry skills. I don't want pastels, though - give me blue, green and grey and I'll be happy.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

I always wear light support thigh shapers - I find them really comfortable and like the smooth silhouette under my work clothes. I usually buy John Lewis and have always found them pricey at £18 but good value because they last for ages, don't lose their stretch or fit. These M&S thigh shapers were also good but £29!! it was lovely to get the opportunity to try them but I couldn't justify buying them at that price.

The tights were great-feeling but laddered on the first wear. Tights do this, of course, which is why I buy cheap from the supermarket.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

The thigh shaper was pretty good but not as good as my John Lewis ones. They were too tight round the thighs (ok, my thighs are a bit zaftig right now) and the diamond weave embedded itself into my skin after a long day in the office chair. On the up side, they feel really good quality and give a nice smooth outline.

The tights were really nice, felt very expensive, but didn't last to a second date.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

As said, I usually go to John Lewis for this. However, I think M&S comes up with clever concepts and product ideas - I like the camis and vests - and I will certainly keep an eye on the range.

As said above, more colours would be nice.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I would. I think the range has something for everyone, isn't grannyish, and has a solution to every wardrobe need. But you have to see it as investment undercrackers.

I ordered :

Black waist sculpt knickers

White light control clincher
and
High Rise Shorts 2-pack

Q1.
Never bought Shapewear from M&S or its equivalent from anywhere else.
The website was quite good and the videos helpful in learning more about Shapewear.
Would quite quite like to have tried a cami top/vest like the Secret Support Bra Vest, but it was only for DD cup upwards.

Q2.
I ended up ordering online.
I rarely buy clothes online as much prefer to see the fabric and try them on, but I don?t have an M&S near enough to be able to pop in just for this. I had however visited one between hearing I was going to receive the vouchers and actually getting them, so did have a look in store. The choice wasn?t bad, but obviously nowhere near what is available from the website.
I was lucky to time it so that I received not only the £5 of Lingerie but also the free p&p over the bank holiday, but this did mean the dates given for delivery were wrong. I ordered on the Friday and it said items will arrive by the following Wednesday ? they didn?t arrive until Friday.
I will also be very wary of ordering online with M&S again as they messed up the gift voucher bit. I used the £35 gift card and adding £4 from one of my old birthday gift cards as I went slightly over. Because they hadn't delivered to this address before, it said I had to enter my credit card details as well. Wasn?t very happy about that, but it wouldn?t be processed otherwise.

Turns out I was right to be wary. When I received an email confirming dispatch of the good, it said £25 taken from the gift card and £14 from my credit card!!
I have queried it and they have said they will refund the £14 but a week later and it still doesn?t seem to have been credited to my card. Seems a strange thing to have happened and doesn?t fill me with confidence.

Q3.
Colours are a bit limited, but then I guess most people are happy with black, white or flesh. Some things were only available in one colour but I ended up happy with the colours I ordered. Plenty of choice of styles for knickers but maybe more vests for less well-endowed would be good.
I managed to find everything I wanted in the correct size, although when I had looked in the weeks prior to receiving my voucher, there were some things I looked at that were out of stock in my size.

Q4.
Hhmm. Wouldn?t normally spend that much on underwear. If they get lots of wear then maybe. They do seem very good quality, but so far I have only worn each item once. Wil be interesting to see how well they stand up to repeated washing. Compared to other well-known brands, the price is quite good.

Q5.
Black waist sculpt knickers ? liked these! Certainly held tummy bulges in. Didn?t cause bulges at top of leg and they stayed up well. Even managed to wear it all day, which I was doubtful of at the start. Found the label irritating ? it felt more like paper than fabric. The Clincher (below) has the wash instructions printed on the fabric which meant you don?t get this problem. No problems getting it on. Didn?t find it had any effect on bottom though, despite what the item description says, as the fabric there is very light.
White light control clincher ? These were only light control and I really found they didn?t make much difference to my appearance. However they were comfortable to wear on the whole, although did find they were a bit tight at the top of the leg and cause a bit of a bulge there. Also stayed up well so no ?muffin top?. Helped hold bottom in as well, which was an added bonus.
High Rise Shorts 2-pack ? These came up higher on me than in the photo online ? well above tummy button. This was OK with what I was wearing, but might show with some clothes. Were very comfy to wear and made a slight difference to stomach, but not so much that I would rush and out buy them. Would also like to see more choice of colour combinations here. Liked the short style leg ? different to what I usually wear and helped hold bottom in.

Q6.
As stated above, would like to see more choice of vests/camis for those not so well-endowed. If I was to buy Shapewear again, I think I would automatically return to M&S. I already buy nearly all my undies there and it is the first place I would look.
Not exactly improving the line, but the kind of thing that would normally make me buy something like this would be to see ?Before? and ?After? real-life photos of normal people wearing the Shapewear (not skinny models).

Q7.
Probably, but would say that as far as I was concerned the lighter control items didn?t have enough of an effect to make me spend that much money on. The firm control item was good.

Mumsnet I spent half an hour writing my review I pressed Post Message to be greeted with the message Mumsnet offline temporarily it is late so don' t fancy typing it all again will try again tomorrow !

Q1. Nope have never bought Shapewear from M& S before, I usually turn to my trusty old Spanx for a bit of a tummy tuck. I looked at the M&S online website, I was a bit bewildered with the huge selection online and what the exact differences were between the products. I did identify the ultimate magic waist cincher as the product I wanted to buy as it would be the one I?d get most use out of, tummy in, no bulges.

Q2. I went to Lakeside Shopping Centre to purchase the ultimate waist cincher, with lingerie I would normally look at what?s available online and then seek it out in the shops. I do prefer to see it in the flesh before I purchase it as I can look at the thickness of the material and the feel and support of it. I also prefer to get the shop assistants advice on what?s the best option for me as I can be so indecisive.

Q3. While there was a huge section of the store dedicated to underwear, I did think the signposting of the Shapewear could be more distinctive as it did take me a while to find it. The actual Shapewear section was quite limited however I picked up what I came for, it was very low on the nude colours as I had been hoping to get it in nude but ended up with the black version. There was very few staff on the floor but eventually found one and asked her advice, she didn?t know much about the waist cincher but fair play to her she came back to me and gave me a full run down and compared it with the waist sculpt. Colour wise I thought it was fine, I did go looking for bras alongside it but found very few in my size.

Q4. Definitely good value for money have been really impressed with it.

Q5. WHOw, This is really COMFORTABLE, no longer will I have to struggle to breathe in me old spanx. I have already worn it a couple of times and love the fit and the shape it gives me. There?s no riding down or pulling up of the waist and the biggest surprise for me is that it gave my bum a bit of a lift (Lord knows it needs it). Jessica Rabbit eat your heart out.

Q6. Crikey I didn't realise my bum had become so flat so following on from this, the only thing I think is missing from your range is knickers that give your bum a real lift and shape, this would be great when wearing jeans. Going forwards I would definitely go back to Marks and Spencers again and try out more shapewear. I usually buy Spanx online or in the past Trinny and Susannah knickers from Debenhams.

Q7. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

Thank you Mumsnet for the opportunity, really enjoyed it. Take care.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?
Never bought shapewear before. I got the firming slip in nude

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
I looked online then went to the shop. I had tried to order it online but my DD distracted me and I never completed the order.
I thought I had and went into the shop to collect it. They reordered it for me and it came two days later.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?
I got exactly what I set out to get.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
Not sure TBH, I have nothing to compare them to. What I got suits my purpose.
Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?
I am pretty satistified with my slip. The only problems is, my bosoms seem to be flattened by it.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?
I probably won't ever buy any sort of shapewear again. I am planning to wear this to a particular occasion.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
Of course I would. Anybody who is interested in my new sleek, slimline body is welcome to know how I achieved it!

Well,

After buying and sampling the shapewear for a few days now (with washes inbetween of course!) Here are my thoughts, feelings and tucked in wobbly bits !! lol!

I PURCHASED THESE:

www.marksandspencer.com/Pack-Lace-Trim-Low-Knickers/dp/B006QR2N06?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_27&nodeId=42966030&sr=1-27&qid=1339573765

AND THIS:

www.marksandspencer.com/Tummy-Waist-Control-Scoop-Neck/dp/B0030JDG5O?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1&nodeId=42966030&sr=1-1&qid=1339575763&pf_rd_r=18K9AVPGCZE58ZBQNZT8&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=215485807&pf_rd_s=center-3

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I have previously brought shapewear from M&S.
I found it very easy online to locate the products and instore I asked a member of staff to point me in the direction of the shapewear department, which she did and asked me if there was anything inparticular i was looking for , Which I was, And she helped me locate a vest that I had previously purchased.
I found what I had in mind, which was a vest for tummy and tummy control knickers too...

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

I investigated online and have previously purchased online and it went very smoothly, This time however I purchased instore, I prefer buying shapewear instore as i can try most of it on as the sizes do vary, depending on how tight and comfortable you require it to be.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

There was alot of choice in style but i did find there was not alot of stock in many sizes on the rails in store.......?
there were a few size 8's, 10's but then a big gap til size 20?

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

Value for money was good, Knickers 2 pairs at £9.50, and the vest was a good price too at £12.50.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

The knickers were fine initially but eventually they rolled at the top, proving to be very uncomfortable as i had to keep pulling them up !
Material was lovely and fit was juyst right.

The Vest was very warm and made me sweat, and i am normally a cold person, it was mainly the middle of my back and if you were to wear a top that sweat showed through iot probably wouldn't be the best vest to wear underneath ! Material very strong , just very warm...not a summer mothe vest really.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

The range is fine, the stock levels just need to be maintained so that there is always every size available.
I have tried other shops but so far M&S proves to be the best for value, comfort and design....and the range is by far the most varied and there is always something you are looking for.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Most definately would, and already do and have.

I bought the Secret Support Firm Control Waist Cinching Tummy Control Slip.

Q1. No I have not bought Shapewear from M&S before. I researched online and could see the sort of products that were available (but wasn't sure what was 'Shapewear' and what was just 'control' underwear - decided that a 'slip' would be of most use.

Q2. I decided to shop instore but found limited stock, difficult to find 'shapewear' labelled products and seemingly little available help. I would have preferred instore as I am tall and wanted to check length of slip and overall fit.

Q3. So I went back to online shopping. There seems a good choice of styles and shapes but not all sizes were available (or not in preferred colour choice). Would have been nice to see other 'subdued' colours in range rather than just white, nude and black - eg. pale pink, lilac etc. I could not purchase the slip I would have liked as it was not available in nude but found an alternative style.

Q4. Would not normally spend this amount of money on a slip - but do have a wedding to attend so may have done so. After trying it on I was VERY impressed with my body!! (Think I may wear it daily now...) SO - I do think it is good value.

Q5. Very satisfied but would really have liked the slip a bit longer as am 5'8". Very comfortable to wear and certainly smoothes out my body shape. Need to wear knickers with no visible seams.

Q6. Would be good to see slips in 2 lengths - good for tall people like me or if you were wearing with a longer dress/skirt. Do you do a body with three quarter length sleeves that would hide my wobby upper arms? Would only buy from M&S or perhaps debenhams.

Q7. If it came up in conversation I would mention M&S shapewear as it seems very effective.

I forgot to say that the second time around I got fabulous help and advice from staff in our store.

I bought Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist Cincher (pants) and a 2 Pack - Light Control Seam-free Knickers

Q1. I haven't bought Shapewear from M&S before, although I have purchased similar products from other stores. It was fairly easy to investigate online and likewise in store all the Shapewear is displayed together (although the packaging doesn't necessarily refer to it under the Shapewear brand). I was hoping to get an all in one (inc a bra) which was available in store but there was a 1 hr waiting time for bra fitting, so I opted for pants instead!

Q2. I looked online first and then went to my local store (Chester). This method is ideal... as you can get an idea about products first and then try them for size

Q3. My store didn't have the full range although there was plenty available in a good range of sizes and I had no trouble selecting items in my size.

Q4. I think the waist cincher pants were overpriced... just under £20 would have seemed more appropriate. The Light Control Seam-free Knickers were good value.

Q5. The waist cincher pants are very effective... great smooth lines... wore them with a thin, floaty dress and I was happy with the silhouette created. Not keen on the very low leg (at the front) could have been a toucher higher for my taste.

Q6. Some of the prices could do with adjusting (down!) Although having said that I would / will buy again from this range.

Q7. I would definitely recommend to friends... in fact I already have!

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

Yes, years ago. But not recently as I have become a little more accepting of my body's lumps and bumps. This was timely as I am wearing a dream dress to a wedding which is a little more body skimming than normal, so I was already going to investigate shapewear as a confidence boosting option. I went for a light control invisible slip and a soft santorini body, so I have a couple of options on the day.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

I bought in store. I live near a couple of very large stores and am never confident that the M&S website is showing me everything. I just don't find it that easy to navigate. I do buy loads online generally but shapewear that is new to me, I would probably want to go in and see first.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

I was really impressed with the range which seemed to cater for everyone. I opted for a couple of sleek, modern pieces there were also the more heavy duty corsetry type styles that were similar to the type that my gran would have worn. So something for everyone! I always go for skintone/nude, so quite simple and there was plenty of availability in my size.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

Not cheap but not extortionate, so generally I would say yes. If I hadn't had the voucher I would probably have opted for one or the other, rather than taking both.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

Excellent sizing and very comfortable. I like the softness of the fabric and the sleekness of the design. Both aren't embarrassing to be seen wearing - always a plus. And they do work, smoothing out the odd bump, rather than changing your shape.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

No, there are even other pieces that I will probably go back and look at, so I think that for me, the range is about right. I would go back to M&S, possibly John Lewis too.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Certainly would. I can't believe how much your fabrics and styles have moved on in the last decade or so.

Thank you for the opportunity to take part.

I bought: Shaping Solution Tummy Control swim costume £29.50
Seamfree light control high leg pants £10 for 2 pairs

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

No, never before. I am a size 8 with and flat chested so not much of a need but I do have a bit of a wobbly tum from two pregnancies.
Quite easy to find what I was looking for although website was a bit confusing, I agree it is unclear what is included in the range and what isn't. I hope the costume I bought was included!

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

In store as I just prefer to try on first. I did research online though.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

There was choice online but my local store is small and only carried a fairly limited amount of the range. I did get a costume in my size but it was the only one left. I also bought the tummy control pants in a 2pack, white and nude. I also wanted the tummy control waist slips but my store didn't stock them.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

I wouldn't normally spend £29.50 on a costume as I think it's too much but I can see why it would be dearer than a standard one. The 2 pack of pants was £10 so again more than I would usually spend but they do help the wobbly tum syndrome!

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

Yes, pleased with the costume I bought. It's a decent fabric (not too thin) and seems well put together. I am a size 8 and found the 8 a little on the snug side but OK. The size 10 was sold out. The pants are great, very comfortable.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

Something to cater for us with tummies that need controlling but with boobs that need a little (or a lot) of a boost in the size dept. I can't be the only one! I tend to only really think of M&S for decent underwear but would maybe consider John Lewis.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, it seems to work well on small lumps and bumps but would warn it is quite pricey.

Thank you!

I bought the secret support low leg knickers T32/6884 and the 2 pack of the secret support high leg knickers. T32/6853 both in size 14

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind? I have bought shape wear before from m and s - knickers and wear them quite regularly.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why? in store - I like to feel the fabric!

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not? I wanted to try an all in one body but they didn't have one in my size (14). Otherwise there was a fairly good selection although some variety in colours would be nice - more to match with bra colours.... The shapes are good though and they don't look like terrible granny knickers which is nice. I liked the look of the lace ones and may go back....

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why? yes. I think they give a good result and are long lasting. There was one pair of knickers for £30 which I thought was steep for one pair...!

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by? I really like them. They are comfortable And don't dig in. I like to wear them with particular outfits and when I run!!

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from? Wouldn't buy it anywhere else as comfort is paramount for me... Would like a variety of colours though....

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not? Definitely. it works! Good value for money and quality. The details like the waistbands and the leg edges are properly designed and it means that wearing them is not an ordeal.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

Am now going to try again. I bought the following:
04951490 Light control High leg Pants Pack of 2 White £9.50
09738478 Santoni seam free light control High leg Pants Pack of 2 Natural and Black £9.50
02036106 Body Define High Leg Pants Natural £19.50
I ordered online and used the Lingerie Spend £30 save £5 offer also I arranged to collect from store so saved £3.50 delivery charge so my total spend was £33.50
Q1.When I knew I was going to be taking part in this and was waiting for the voucher I had a quick look in my local store . I eventually found the shapewear with the "older womens " pants ,vests and corsets/girdles this sort of put me off as I don't think I am of that age yet (no offence ) so I decided to look online .
Q2. Glad I looked Online. Watched the videos clear and informative . Lots of choice quick and easy delivery either to your home or collect in store.
Q3. Plenty of choice of styles shapes and sizes. Everything I chose available in my size the only negative is please more colours everthing is white natural or black.
Q4 Yes good value for money.
Q5.Satisfied with the Santini seamfree light control seem comfortable- fit well haven't worn all day yet and Body define again haven't had opportunity to wear all day yet but fit nicely and definitely can feel the control. However I am not really impressed with the white light control secret tummy panel high leg pants. They are VERY unattractive "Granny"pants and cannot see how they are any different to an ordinary full brief which I do not wear normally.
Q6. As already stated would be nice if more choice of colours were offered also I did notice some lacy shorts and while I do not like this style I think it would be nice to offer lacy pants which would be more attractive.,as there was nothing wrong with "granny " pants style, they were comfortable with no roll down - they were just really unattractive and old fashioned -
Q7 Yes I would recommend to a friend. I think most people would try M&S anyway . I would buy again as I buy all my underwear from M&S I never go anywhere else.
Can I just say thankyou for selecting me for this panel I very rarely "win" anything and it was lovely to receive this gift voucher and treat myself to the type of lingerie I would never have considered buying before. I think that overall the shapewear I chose (except the "Granny" pants ) was very effective and give nice shape and smooth clean lines under light summer clothes -dresses etc.

Q1. I've never bought shapewear from anywhere before, but am getting married soon (long, floaty frock) and wanted something to smooth out any bulges.
Initially, I looked at what was available online. What appealed about the M&S range was that there appeared to be a huge variety of shapes and styles.
I'm a strange shape - broad shoulders, no boobs, not much of a waist (although I do have a bit of a tum) and skinny hips - and have never managed to find a comfortable bra: I don't possess a single one so always feel 'saggy' up top.
I was hoping to find a shapewear garment that would push up my boobs to create some curves, smooth over my midriff and skim over my hips.)

Q2. First, I had a look online. However, I?m very fussy about fabrics and the way clothes feel on so hardly ever buy online unless I?ve already seen ? and tried on ? a garment in the shop. Plus, I had a feeling that I?d need to try on masses of different shapes and sizes to find something that worked for me (?and I was right; see below).

Q3. For women who are a fairly standard shape and size, there?s plenty of choice, but it?s not quite so simple for the rest of us. The shapewear video on the website shows a woman who is a gorgeous, curvy hourglass. I?d like to see videos of women with less-than-perfect figures (flat chests, huge stomachs, fat thighs etc) being transformed by shapewear.
I?m an underwear virgin and would have appreciated some input from the sales assistants, but I didn?t know you have to book their time in advance, so no-one was available to help me. The sales assistant who was serving in the changing rooms (Exeter branch) wasn?t particularly friendly or helpful, so I didn?t even feel I could ask for her help with fetching different sizes of the items I was trying on.
This meant the whole ?trying on? process took more than two hours. I didn?t know how tight the shapewear garments were meant to be, so I had to try on several sizes of each item in order to find the best fit.
The online Shapewear Buying Guide video advises buying Shapewear in your usual size. I?m usually a size 8-10, but not all the products were available in that size. There seemed to be far more choice in the larger sizes.
I may be skinny, but after two children, I have tummy issues. For example, I loved the look of the Heritage Floral Lace Waist Cincher (£19.50), but they didn?t have one in my size and by that point I?d tried on so many different items I just wanted to find the right garment and go home.
The whole process took ages as I felt I had to wear each garment for a few minutes in the changing room, to make sure I?d be able to breathe during prolonged wearing! Some of the waist and thigh cinchers work well, but it feels as if you?re wearing a wetsuit: not ideal under a floaty silk dress.
I had hoped to find a ?body? that would suck in my midriff and enhance my scrawny boobs, but although there were several lovely-looking bodies, none of them worked for my shape. I think for the modest of norkage, shapewear can be more ?flattening? than flattering.
In the end, I decided to forget about my top half as I couldn?t find anything that was comfortable and fitted properly without squashing my boobs out of existence. I bought three pairs of big knickers:
1 Ultimate Magic Secret Support Lace Shorts (£19.50). These felt very comfortable, gave me a lovely smooth outline and were more ?cottony? than some of the other synthetic tubes I tried on.
2 Light Control Bonded Overlaid Lace Full Briefs (£12.50). These come up quite high, but somehow manage to avoid causing a muffin top. Very comfortable and the lace is pretty.
3 Flatter-Me High Rise Lace Light Shaping Shorts (£7.50). Slightly less control, but good tummy-holding all the same, and very pretty: apart from the high waist, you can?t really tell these are shapewear.

Q4. Considering the extra engineering that goes into making these knickers compared with normal skimpy ones, I don?t think they?re terribly expensive (although my eyes did water at paying £19.50 for the first pair).

Q5. I love all three items and now just need to choose which one will work best with my wedding dress. I was impressed by the range.

Q6. More choice in sizes 8-10 would be good. It would also be nice to have a bigger range of colours to choose from: I'd like blue, purple and grey.
After shopping in M&S, I browsed in a nearby Triumph underwear store. The choice of colours was far better there, although I didn?t try anything on so can?t comment on the fit.

Q7. I would recommend M&S shapewear to a friend, but I would suggest they set aside several hours to spend in the changing rooms and book an appointment with one of the sales team.

I bought this online in the natural colour www.marksandspencer.com/Ultimate-Secret-Support-Define-Multiway/dp/B004FX4JW8?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_3&nodeId=43270030&sr=1-3&qid=1339660955 then exchanged for www.marksandspencer.com/Ultimate-Magic-Define-Waist-Cincher/dp/B003YW26CG?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_5&nodeId=43270030&sr=1-5&qid=1339660955

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?
I have a pair of ancient M&S Shapewear knickers that were bought for a particular occasion dress. I went straight to the website to check out the range available and although it's not something I would wear every day there were enough pieces to interest me.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
I shopped online, but only out of convenience. I would have preferred to get a feel for colours and fabrics in store but we don't have a clothing store in my town and shopping malls and my 3 year-old don't mix.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?
As long as you want black or nude it seems fine (and I would mainly go for the nude in this kind of underwear), no problems getting my sizes on the website.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
They are definitely investment pieces as they are quite pricey, although I did manage get a further £5 off due to an online promotion plus free delivery to my local Simply Food store.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?
I loved the look of the garment, quite retro (memories of my Gran's foundation garments!) and the seemed well worth the price. Well made and up to the job. However, on wrestling myself in to it the cups were an absolute disaster. I ordered my usual M&S bra size (34D) and they were far too big - I should have ordered some socks too in order to pad them out. No amount of adjustment got it to fit. So I've exchanged it (in-store, eventually) for the waist and thigh cincher which is great and leaves me free to sort out the cups issue by myself!

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?
This stuff is never going to be pretty, but maybe some lighter colours , (floral?) prints or fabrics? I would always look at M&S first for shapewear but would make sure I could do it in-store where I would try on before committing. Apart from M&S I would use my local independent underwear shop, which has fantastically experienced staff who don't need tape measures!

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
Absolutely, in fact I already have! It was quite a talking point over dinner!

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?
No, never bought before, I thought the online guide was good to show the different types available as my local store is small and doesn't have the full range

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
Both, although I bought online as the full range was there. I liked the fact that I could see customer reviews online as that persuaded me to size up when ordering (thank God), in store the lady said I should buy the size I was and I don't think I would have been able to get them on comfortably!

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?
There seemed to be a really wide range, but the item I really wanted (Firm Control Anti-Cellulite Waist & Thigh Cincher) was out of stock in my size

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
They are expensive, and I usually wouldn't spend this much (so thank you!) but if I get enough opportunity to wear them then I will probably think they are good value.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?
I bought two items, the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher and the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist cincher, I'm going to return the Waist & Thigh Cincher because it doesn't come far enough up at the back and also because it's less practical and more difficult to remove. I was disappointed with the quality of the sewing for the join at the back, there is a fairly large lump where the two 'rubbery' sides are sewn together that would show under lots of dresses.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?
An easier was to relieve yourself in them without stripping in a cubicle?

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
I haven't used any other kinds so if it came up in conversation I would ask if they had tried M&S. I haven't had a chance to use the item for long enough to make a hearty recommendation.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

Never bought before. It didn't occur to me to look online first but we have a huge M&S locally and I knew I'd need to try on.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

see above. Need to try things on so prefer to go to a shop

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

Yes and no. I originally looked at the Body outfits. The 'normal' cup sizes were readily available, but DD+ is a separate range and was £5 more. If you are big enough to need shapeware the likelihood is you may need a big cup size. Everything else was available in a range of sizes.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

Not really. I second the horror expressed by an earlier poster at £30 for one pair of pants

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

I bought some long pants, hoping to solve my thighs-rubbing-together problem. It worked beautifully. The pants were comfy all day. The only thing I didn't like is that they produced a muffin-top effect above the waistband and formed an extra tyre. I tried on a control camisole top as well as it was really uncomfortable. I struggled to get it on and felt really constricted.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

There didn't seem to be any bras included in the range. More choice for the full of bust would be good

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, except for the cost

In my best Arnie voice - I'll be back. Just washing items before I give my opinions

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

Yes I have - over a year ago ; mainly tummy control knickers
Relatively easy to find out - However,I found the sheer variety of items and ranges on the website quite frustrating though..what was the difference between the FlatterMe Range and the Waist Sculpt or Body Solutions? I had to click between all of the pages for what seemed a very long time to come up with a final master list. Too many 'ranges'.

Liked the videos though - I wouldn't normally watch them, but was so confused I felt it might help !
Eventually found what I had in mind.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
Both.
Prefer shop for impulse buys. But on this occasion, I shopped alone and there were no staff to be seen out on the shop floor.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

Stock availability on line was good; Stock availability in store was patchy and meant I did not buy some items which was disappointing

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
Yes I do. I bought:
Secret Support Body Define High Rise Knickers in nude -£19.50
Cotton RIch Light COntrol Daisy Floral Lace Thigh slimmer -£15.00(though interestingly the actual garment received says 'Firm control' on the packaging)
As there was an online offer, I had £5 left over so I spent it in store on a two pack black and natural light control Seam Free knickers (09738461) at £9.50

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

HAppy with most of the items. My best purchase was the two pack Seam free Knickers - really comfortable and extremely good value; they have washed really well too. Very smooth outline as promised. Would buy again

The Thigh slimmers are comfortable and pretty; again I think good value, but I can't discern any particularly 'slimming' action going on. In fact the tummy control feels very light indeed. Lied the cotton content though and the lace.

The Body Define Knickers definitely do flatten your tummy and for that I would love them..BUT..the backs of the seem to ride up your buttocks rather, creating what can only be described as a horizontal double buttock effect!! Also they do sit in the Bridget Jones Big Pants camp - which I know is how and why they hold can everything in - but hard to make them attractive

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

I would definitely consider M&S again - I think your vest with secret bras are the best available. However,I would definitely read the on line reviews before any future purchase.
The alternative retailer would be John Lewis - I have tried the Scala anti-cellulite shaping thigh slimmers they sell and liked them very much

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
yes I would - for the sheer range and good prices

Should just add comments from my family today.

DS3 (13) on spotting the rather over-large pants protruding from the top of my jeans "What's that!!!" and having been informed of their purpose, then asked if they did them for men so DH could also have a pair to hold in his growing stomach .....

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I've bought 'tummy control' vests from M&S before which were surprisingly effective. I don't think the range was specifically known as Shapewear at that point. (I purchased them last Summer.) Disappointingly, those vests are no longer available which is a real shame as they did keep my tummy in check when I returned to work post-baby!

This time around, I searched online initially and found that the search term Shapewear bought up loads of relevant products in a range of sizes and styles.

Shopping instore was a completely different story. Even though I'd already received my online order so knew exactly what to look for and how the products were marked etc, I couldn't find a single item of Shapewear in my local M&S branch!! (This was Hanley, Staffs branch.) If there were products in stock, they were certainly well hidden and not at all easy to identify which is really disappointing.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

I placed my initial order online for convenience. (The trial took place over half term and shopping with three kids is tantamount to self-torture.) I would actually prefer shopping instore but it isn't always practical - see above comment- simply because I think it's important to try on underwear products for fit and comfort. It's particularly difficult to judge sizing with items like shapewear as some items are so tight fitting that you might need to move up a size whereas other styles are true to usual sizing so it's difficult to predict. I actually had to return two of the items I ordered as they were so uncomfortable there is no way that I would wear them.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

There was certainly not enough stock or products available in store - nothing or if there were, much more care needs to be taken to make items more prominent and easy to find. Most shoppers don't want to be asking shop assistants for Shapewear after all - it's much more discreet to pick things up from the display yourself.

I found the online selection to be more than adequate, certainly in terms of sizes available although I am disappointed that the shaping vests are no longer part of the range.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

I bought five pairs of knickers in total, all costing £7.50 each. This is on the pricey side and more than I would normally be willing to pay per pair. Having said that, the fit and quality of the knickers is very good. I have worn and washed the three pairs that I kept and they have proven to be robust enough so far.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

I loved the Flatter-Me? High Rise Lace Light Shaping Shorts. These are incredibly comfy to wear and surprisingly sexy!! My husband certainly seemed to like them and I felt good in them too.

The Flatter-Me? Lace Back Brazilian Light Shaping Knickers were the ones that I had to return as they were so uncomfortable. They just went straight up my bum and that is not a sexy look - certainly not poking about fishing them out!!

The Flatter-Me? High Rise Brazilian Light Shaping Knickers were not quite as comfy to wear as the shorts style. (I would go for the shorts again for comfort and sex appeal) These were an attractive style though and I decided to keep them as they will be ideal for trousers with no VPL.

As shapewear, I don't think these are particularly drastic, more of a subtle improvement rather than products that act like a modern day corset! I'm certainly happy with the light level of support these provided.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

I think the range needs to be more clearly signposted instore so that it's easy to find and identify shapewear products. Hanley branch needs to be stocked up - or the shelves rearranged if the products are actually instore as I couldn't find them for love nor money!

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would as it's comfy and sexy and makes you feel better about your body image.

I can honestly say I have worn my pants every day since I received them nearly a fortnight ago. The light control pants and the light control shorts are now my everyday underwear. They are comfortable under tights, skirts, trousers, when busy in the house, sitting at my desk or day, or active with the kids. I really like them.

The firm control pants I dont like so much. But they are more for those clothes that need an obvious difference in look, and I dont have many of those!

To be honest, its not so much the look for me as the firmness the underwear gives me - my jelly belly overhang from two kids is smoother and tighter and my posture better. Well worth £9.50 for a two pack!

*and as a disclaimer, of course I havent worn the same pair of pants since I got them, I have washed them and changed them!!

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I have not bought from M&S before. This was my first buying of shape wear for about 8 years. The information on the website seemed to explain everything you needed.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

I browsed and placed an initial order on line. I looked in my local, small shop and found there were 6 different items in their range. tried on in store but had to go back on-line to order more products.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

The stock availability was poor for my size and i was not able to order what i actually wanted to. ~As as size 10-12 if found the sizing difficult in some of the range. 8-10 or 12-14. As a definite size 10 in marks with some of the products i had to back up to a 12. The colours are a bit boring black, white and nude could be expanded on. I'm not a fan of lots of lace either as it itches

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

I'm still waiting for the second order to arrive. The tights seem fine but the shorts seem a bit expensive.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

i originally ordered tights and shorts. The shorts were returned due to sizing issues. I tried on a body and longer shorts and a waist cincher in store but there was a variety of muffin tops on show in all areas. I appreciate the fat has to go somewhere but its not attractive having a role of fat on my stomach, under my boobs or back fat.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

better colours and sizing.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not at the moment but i may change my mind if i could actually get what i wanted, in my size, that fit ok without roles of fat sticking out everywhere.

I bought the Body Solutions Cupless Panelled Slip and the Brazilian Shaping Knickers.

1. I haven't bought shapewear from M&S before. I found it easy tom research the range online. I found exactly what I was after.

1. I browsed online but bought in store. I prefer to buy shape wear in store as fit is crucial.

1. I thought there was a great range of styles, but the colour choice was limiting. The slip I wanted only came in nude, and I would have rather had black. Stock availability was fine, but I went to the big Westfield store.

1. I think they were excellent value for money as both work very well. The slip in particular is excellent.

1. Very satisfied, I really like both the items. The slip is fantastic, and gives a great shape while remaining very comfortable. The knickers are also comfortable and flattering.

1. I think the range seems very good, especially at that price point. I think the colour range could be improved upon, but I think it is a great alterntive to pricier shapewear. I am a big fan of Spanx, and will probably stick to them for heavy duty control pants as i find them flawless, but the M&S slip is great and I would buy similar again from them.

1. Yes I would, as I have been really impressed with it.

Thanks for choosing me to participate!